Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai:DVD Box Short Story

I can't Possibly Ask for Life Counseling From My Brother

A very important, my dearest, but yet sometimes painful and loathful secret.

To me, I have no idea what to do with the secret.

Unable to abandon it, unable to be proud of it, a secret that I can't tell anyone forever, and to be brought to my grave.

Although that is not too good...

But what can I do?

My name is Kousaka Kirino. A 14 year-old middle-school student. I am part of my school's athletic team, and my grades are outstanding.

My looks are extremely cute, and thus recently my photos are published on magazines as a reader-model.

For someone like me, who seems perfect to outsiders and myself, I do have some troubles of my own...

That day, while I was making a call in the living room, that guy came back from school.

"I'm back."

With a lazy voice, that guy opened the door of the living room.

There's no one else at home except for me. Which means... that line was meant for me.

How rare... His head must be wrong somewhere.

'Are you stupid?' I scolded silently in my heart. Hmph, there's no way I'll reply.

"Eeh? It can't be~? What are you talking about? Haha, what an idiot."

I deliberately talked loudly, deciding to ignore that guy's speech.

What's wrong Kirino, why the sudden increase in volume - It seems like I've made the other end perplexed about it. I apologized to her in my heart.

It's all that guy's fault. Here I am lying on the sofa and enjoy a chat, and he caused me to feel slightly unhappy.

As long as he had not left yet, I continued to mutter "just go away" repeatedly under my breath.

"Ok, I understand. I'll leave after a change of clothes."

Hanging up the call, l left with a giggle.

Great, now I have a reason to go to the station.

After meeting my friend, there may be enough time to visit the <Obsessed Specialty Shop>... Let's take out <that> from my bag.

My heart can't help but look forward to being healed.

However, that feeling lasted only for an instant,

"Che."

That guy's voice shattered the beautiful feeling I had.

His presence disappeared with the opening of the door.

"Che, how disgusting. What's that? Just die already."

That guy's name is Kousaka Kyousuke. He is a 17 year-old high school student who lived under the same roof as me. Black hair, a slim build, average height, and although his face is not ugly, the eyes of his that is similar to those of a dead fish spoil the whole look. He always shows a lazy expression, like one that is almost asleep. He's not particular about clothings, and is those type of person who does not stands out from the crowd. Totally opposite of me.

In my eyes, that guy has not been happy. At least in these few years, he had not even smiled to me once. Hmph, it's not like I want to see that.

This is one of the many things that trouble and angers me.

A long time ago, when I was a child, I used to call that guy "onii-chan".

But now, "that guy" will do fine.

The brother that I am familiar with is no longer around.

To help you guys in understanding, I'll refer to <that guy> as <Kyousuke> for now.

Although I do not want to refer to him as that, it is unavoidable.

Seizing the opportunity, I walked to my room after Kyousuke left the living room, to prepare for the trip.

My house is a 2 story independent house. Family consist of my father, mother, Kyousuke and me.

A rather well-to-do small family that does not lack anything.

Kyousuke and my room are both on the second floor. After a change into my casual clothes, I head back to the living room down stairs. Past the dining room, into the kitchen. I took the barley tea from the fridge.

... Che, that guy, he could have drank straight from the pack...

This thought flashed past my mind, and I can no longer drink the barley tea.

I'll rather die than to have an indirect kiss with that guy.

"Eww, that's too disgusting..."

That's just too exaggerated, do you have a cleanliness fetish? Perhaps some of you will think in this way. However, it will be understandable if you put yourself into someone's shoes, who is part of a pair of siblings of similar age.

I took a quick drink of mineral water, and do a final check on the mirror.

Let out an extremely cute smile.

"Great, perfect."

Taking my bag from the table, I took brisk steps towards the main door.

Just when I was about to leave the living room...

"Huh?"

I knocked into Kyousuke on the first level.

Bump. My breast knocked gently into Kyousuke's shoulders.

Wh......!? Th-this guy is horrible! Whe-Where does he think he is touching?

I fell onto the ground in a sitting position. My bag was knocked away from me as a result as well.

The contents in the bag spilled everywhere.

"Ah...."

A chill went down my spine. Be-because! <The thing> that will reveal my hobby in an instant was in the bag as well.

"Oh, sorry about that."

Irregardless, the clueless Kyousuke reached his hand out for the make-up. Kyaaaa this is bad this is bad this is bad!

Pa! I slapped Kyousuke's hand away.

"Wha..."

Kyousuke hastily withdrew his hand in shock and stared at me sternly.

Ahhhh..... No, nonono, I have to, I have to come up with something... I have to trick this idiot and shove him away!

Even though my expressions were fierce, my heart was in a mess. With much difficult, I managed to say in a unwavering voice.

"... Right, do not touch it."

Qu-Quick! Scram quickly! Ughhhhhh...!

Perhaps my stern stare was working. Kyousuke was slightly taken back, and he froze in place.

Okay, it's now or never...

I picked up the scattered make-up and walked quickly to the entrance.

I deftly put on my shoes, and with my back facing Kyousuke, I said softly.

"... I am off."

Shut the door with a bang.

"Phew..."

Finally, a sigh of relieve.

What, what a shock. Things will be messy if my secrets are revealed...

"Ah, it is time... I'll have to hurry."

I took a look at my watch, and began to jog. Even though my shoes are not made to run, there's no problem after I got used to it. I am quite good at running already. I felt comfortable whenever I am running, and all my troubles will be gone in an instant.

Inexplicably, Kyousuke's timid looks kept loitering in my mind.

"... Why is he afraid of his younger sister? Is he an idiot?"

Such a pitiful person ain't my brother.

I hatehatehatehate - HATE the guy the most.

Because, that guy hates me too, right?

No, perhaps it is even worse.

Even though we've talked a lot unexpectedly for today, that is not the case usually. I've forgotten when, but our relationship has become one that can't be called as a brother-sister relationship. We'll ignore each other even if there's eye contact. We no longer hold conversations. His attitude towards me is worse than that towards an ordinary person. It's beyond dislike.

The cold look of his, as though he is looking at an outsider, makes me feel disgusted beyond words.

"To me, you are not of importance, and are of no relation to me."

It's as though he conveyed that line through the cold look of his.

Who will want to interact to a person like that? To talk intimately? That's impossible, surely.

Just as well. To me, his existence is of no importance too!

That's right. It's all that guy's fault.

The anxiety in my heart is due to him. The worries from my hobby is due to him. My hatred towards him as well - it's all his fault.

I definitely cannot forgive him.

It was after the meeting with my friend and at the <Obsessed Specialty Shop>, where I noticed the biggest failure in my life.

My real motive in going to the station - it is to obtain a promotional item from <a certain event at the shop>. I was prepared to take out the item I've secretly smuggled out when...

"... It can't be."

I muttered softly in shock. I searched my bag again in vain as my hopes are dashed.

None. <That>, is not in my bag.

Immediately I recalled.

"... Dropped it... back then..."

My face back then must have turned green.

Rushed back home immediately.

Searched the entrance where I bumped into Kyousuke with all my might.

"Nothing...!? Nothing..........!?"

However, I still can't find it.

I flipped through the box that is used to store clogs, and searched through every pair of shoes, but I still can't find it.

"What should I do..."

Could it have been taken away by someone? That can't be!? That would be bad! If that happens...

I thought of the <treasure> of mine that I've lost.

"Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!"

I grabbed by head and let out a pitiful wail. Cold sweat began to flow. My body began to shiver uncontrollably from the cold, my teeth chattered. Ahh... Whoa....... I gave out incomprehensible cries.

Just when I was displaying my ugly self unknowingly.

"What's wrong Kirino? Why are you wailing out loud here?"

"Eeh!?"

I turned my head immediately, and found my mother looking at me anxiously in her aprons.

"Are you looking for anything?"

"Urm... Urm... Right. Ah-Ahhaha... I've found it, it's fine now."

"Really? That's fine then... First Kyousuke, then Kirino. What's there at the entrance?"

I've no idea what that means.

"Anyway, dinner's almost ready. Hurry up and change."

"Ri-right."

I answered with a smile. Mother entered the living room once again.

I let out a sigh.

... from that, it seems like Mother had not picked up <that>. Father's not back... Which means, someone else found it...?

Just when I was staring at the entrance and thinking, a voice came from the side.

"...Hmm, what are you doing there?"

It's Kyousuke. My heart almost jumped out of my mouth in fright. I faked my calmness and turned around.

"................ Huh?"

Our eyes met, and sparks flew.

"Che, nothing."

Kyousuke left the living room.

Even though I've won the staring match, my feelings did not brighten up one bit.

I've not found the lost item. It felt like I'll never get it back, and it's saddening.

On the dining desk were curry and miso soup. The family gathered together to eat. In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are connected together, and gives out a spacious feeling without the partitions.

Kyousuke and I sat side by side, facing our parents.

The television is airing the news. The solemn reporter was talking about the impact of exports due to Yen's rise in strength.

Father's drinking the soup silently. His casual clothes fit his huge physique perfectly, giving out a sharp aura not unlike that of a samurai. He is a policeman, and has dan-ranks in Kendo and Judo. His whole body releases a suffocating presence, unlike someone.

On the other side Mother is eating the delicious curry.

"My first dish that was praised by your father is the curry," it seems like an incident that made Mother cried from happiness. After hearing that, as a daughter, I've no reason to stop Mother from making curry. Just to sidetrack a little, even though Mother looked simple with her light make-up, she is actually a real beauty. Well, I guess she is my mother, so that is to be expected.

Then onto Kyousuke. He still looks like someone who's about to commit suicide, as usual. His actions are suspicious though.

He kept stealing glances at Mother's and Father's face.

... What is this guy doing? Disgusting...

Just when I was scorning at Kyousuke, he finished his clam soup and spoke to Mother.

"I'll like to make a trip to the convenient store later. Is there anything you'll like me to buy?"

"Ah, how about the new flavour of Haagen-Dazs? The limited seasonal flavour."

"Right."

With that ordinary conversation, Kyousuke continued with a shocking topic.

"You know, I have a friend who's recently interested in shoujo anime, right, I think it is Kira something something."

Wait!? What did that guy just said!?

"Why did you suddenly bring this up?"

Mother tilted her head inexplicably. Kyousuke continued.

"Oh it's nothing. He introduced it to me, saying that it is interesting. I thought it will be harmless to give it a shot."

I almost snapped my spoon into two in anger, but Mother's next line put a twist in the situation.

"The television had talked about it... You can't turn into that, right Father?"

"Yes. You don't have to get yourself exposed to the bad influence."

Father replied emotionlessly without a change in expression.

.....................

About my <lost item>, how much do they know about it, how do I get it back - these things, there should have been a lot of things I should be thinking about.

My heart was in a pain. I was tired from just holding back my tears.

"Huuu.... huu....."

Why must my family say such things?

If it is like this... to find a person to confide and discuss... is no longer possible...

".........."

I bit my lips, and endured the feelings of embarrassment and regret.

"... Kirino?"

Noticing my weird actions, Mother stared at my face.

I do not want anyone to see me on a state where I was about to cry.

"... I am full."

With that I left the scene quickly, moving away from the living room to the second story. Perhaps Father will get angry about it, but now is not the time to be thinking about it.

Back in my room, I roughly threw the green cushion on my bed.

Stop joking, stop joking, stop joking, stop joking...

My angry voices repeatedly rang in my head.

After taking out my anger at the cushion, I head felt clearer to think about things again.

"What should I do..."

I muttered softly while standing. I doubt that guy will be interested in holding <that> for too long. Thankfully, it seems like he had not realized that <that> belongs to me.

... Well, he probably cannot imagine me owning <those stuff>.

Anyway - I have to get that back quick. It's not just because I have to prevent myself from getting exposed, there's also the fact that <that> is my most precious <treasure>.

But, what should I do?

My brain's working at high speeds, but not one good idea popped up.

Unexpectedly, the chance to get the item back came rather early.

Outside the house.

"Well then, off to the convenient store."

Came an idiot sounding voice. It's Kyousuke's voice.

That guy... now that he mention it, he did say he is going to the convenient store.

I ran out of the room in a flash and looked downwards. From downstairs came Kyousuke's silhouette. Kyousuke's back disappeared in a corner, and before long the sounds of closing the door can be heard.

Looks like he is out.

I glanced at the side. That's Kyousuke's room.

"..............."

I placed my hand naturally at the chest. My heart is beating wildly.

"... Right."

I grabbed the door knob and turned it. My memory is right. There's no lock on the door of Kyousuke's room.

I can't imagine him living in a room without privacy. I wouldn't be able to tolerate it.

"...."

After slight hesitation, and then I opened the door determinedly. Together with a slight creak, the room came into view. The corridor's light shone weakly into the room. A smell of a boy's room, different of that of my room, came to my nose.

"... Disgusting."

I said softly while knitting my brows. After some fondling about, I managed to locate the switch and turned on the lights. The room seemed so pathetic in clear view with the lights on. Green carpet, blue curtains. An ordinary calendar was pasted on the wall. There's also a typical study desk.

I closed the door and bit my lips.

"Che... If I don't hurry up..."

Even it it is that guy's room, the kind me will still feel a sense of guilt when I trespass it. Due to this, my heart felt a surge of tightness not to be experience in ordinary times.

I could feel the thumping of my heart.

Took a quick glance around the room, and the target was nowhere to be seen. I yield nothing after carefully looking through the book shelves, tea set and dressing cabinet a few times.

... Ugh... It's not in this room? Hmm... Is there anywhere else I've not looked through...

For example - a knowledge from certain games.

It is said that guys hide H books under their beds.

Similar to a dog burying its bone underground.

"Could it be..."

Half in doubt, I took a quick look under the bed.

"Oh..."

Hidden under the bed are a few dirty paper boxes.

What a verrrrrrrrrry hateful premonition. However, there's nowhere more suspicious than there to hide <that>.

Enduring corrupted and impure thoughts, I dragged the box out and opened it. And then.

"Eeh? Un-Unbelivable..."

The cute and innocent me felt like crying upon seeing the contents of the box.

Just as expected, the box held a huge amount of H books.

"No! It's too disgusting! So disgusting! Die already!"

That, that guy...! He had always shown a face saying < I'm not interested in girls >... And yet deep down... He's been thinking nothing but these ero stuff!? He's the worst!

Just like an idiot! And what is this!? Upon a closer look, all the girls are wearing glasses! Does he like glasses that much? What's the difference with wearing one and not wearing it?

Totally incomprehensible!

"Ahhhhh really!"

I pinched the dirty and sinful materials, book by book and placed it at the side, until the base of the box was shown. However, the box did not contain my treasure.

Next, his dressing cabinet, could there be...? While thinking about it, I placed the H books back in the box and shove it under the bed.

"... Guuu... It should be in here.... Emm... Heisho..."

Just then.

Bang!

".................. Oi.... What are you doing?"

"Huh!?"

A voice came from the back. I froze in position, my buttocks in the air.

Wh-Why is this guy here!? Didn't he went to the convenient store!?

My heart is utterly confused.

- Could I have been exposed!?

I turned my head, and found Kyousuke staring at me coldly. My face went pale.

"... What are you doing? I am asking you a question."

"............... It's none of your business."

I gasped for air and barely answered. However, his questioning did not stop there.

"... How can this be none of my business? Entering another person's room casually to search through his stuff... If it was done to you, what will you think?"

It made me really angry when the person I hate had said something right.

Saying it in a tone as though he is superior. And yet he hides H books under his bed...

Although I wanted to say that, but in that situation I was indeed in the wrong. So I did not say it. It feels exaggerated and wrong if I did.

"............."

I escaped his glares silently. I stood up slowly and faced Kyousuke.

"Move aside..."

"No way. Answer me. What are you doing here?"

"Move aside!"

I can't possibly answer that!

"... I know. You are looking for this, right?"

Huh?

Kyousuke slowly took out.

It's the DvD box-set of my favourite anime, <Kira ☆ Stardust Witch Meruru>. I had an uncontrollable liking for this anime. It's because of a Meruru event that I went to the station with the DvD box-set today.

That's right. I've no choice but to admit it. But if that's the case, wouldn't I be labeled as an otaku that is looked down by the family? To make things worse, my passion for anime loses to no one!

This is the <secret> that I have difficulty telling anyone about. The secret that belongs only to me.

And yet it's discovered by that guy...!

Upon seeing the lost item, I suddenly reached out for the DvD.

"This...!?"

Kyousuke however dodged my hands, and knocked the back of the DvD box with a mischievous expression on his face.

"Fuu... Indeed, this thing is yours, right?"

"... How can that possibly be?"

Can't admit it. No matter what I must feign ignorance.

This… This guy. I don’t want to expose my weak side to him!

“No? I picked this up at the entrance after bumping into you. Didn’t you drop some things then?”

“If you are not looking for this, then what are you doing in my room?”

“… Because… That’s because!”

“That’s because? Because of what?”

“……………..”

I fell silent again. Biting my lips with my heads lowered.

How regretful. I regret it, I regret it, I regret it… I… Why must I be lectured by such a guy? Is it that weird for me to like <such stuff>?

This is really bad… I’m at a loss of what to do.

Even then, I do not wish to let him see my crying face. My shoulders shivered slightly as I tried to hold back my tears.

“………………”

Instead, I stared at him with all my might. Even if the chance was a million to one, I still hoped he could understand my feelings.

That thought was replaced with feelings of fear.

If he opened the box, and saw the <contents>……

… I can’t watch it, right? This guy must have known my secrets already.

My secret, is that I really like anime targeted for kids… as if. It’s that I have such a cute face, and yet I am an otaku… as if. There’s a bigger secret that can’t be joked about.

The secret that I want no one to know of, has been discovered by Kyousuke.

Even if I deny it now, the evidences… It’s over… it’s all over…

… Will Kyousuke use it to threaten me…? If you do not want your secrets to be exposed, you’ll have to listen to my orders – such developments are not uncommon in games I’ve played in the past…

Unwillingly I’ve began to take notice of the <stuff> under Kyousuke’s bed.

A feeling of unease was expanding endlessly within me. It’s difficult to even stand.

And in such a tense situation, Kyousuke spoke.

“Here, take it.”

With a casual voice and action, Kyousuke stuffed the DvD box into my chest.

Huh?

I looked at Kyousuke for a moment, not comprehending his actions.

“It must be something important, right? I’ll return it, so keep it carefully.”

“I-I said this thing isn’t mine…”

“Then throw it away for me.”

“Ha?”

Throw it away… What’s with this development?

There’s no… threat? Don’t you love to tease me? Why are you not teasing me now?

Kyousuke returned the DvD box to me, and said in a gentle voice that sounds like a lie.

“I am sorry, it seems like I’ve misunderstood. I know this isn’t yours. Though I’ve no idea who this thing belongs to, I don’t really want it either. While apologizing to you, can I request that you throw this away for me?”

“………”

This… This guy…

At this stage, even I knew what that guy meant.

Even then, I could not help but be suspicious of the gentle actions of someone who is supposed to look down on me.

“……………. Urm… Th-that is okay.”

In the end, I took back my most precious treasure, while still very much in doubt.

Kyousuke relaxed his arms and stepped away from the door, as if to prompt me to leave this room.

And I exchanged positions with Kyousuke and walked towards the door.

Hugging the DvD in my chest, a sense of comfort and security spread through my heart.

“… Ha…….”

Th-That’s unbelievable! How long has it been since that guy last treated me nicely without baring his fangs?

Perhaps I was still nervous; my heart was still beating quickly. My mind couldn’t seem to cool down either…

As such, I did something that even I myself cannot explain.

“…. Urm… Hey.”

I said to Kyousuke.

Of course, Kyousuke was not expecting me to talk to him. He said, “Huh?” in an idiotic voice.

“What?” Kyousuke asked nervously.

But then, even I myself was uncertain of what to say. What do I actually have to say to this guy…